College Life Prep

College Life Prep is a skills-focused group designed to help teens and young adults prepare for the academic, social, and independent-living demands of college life. This group provides explicit instruction, guided discussion, and real-world practice to support a successful transition to postsecondary education.

Participants learn how to manage increased independence, navigate campus resources, and make informed decisions related to academics, relationships, health, and daily living. Sessions are structured, supportive, and practical—helping students build confidence and self-advocacy skills before and during college.

Skill Areas Addressed Include:

Executive Functioning for College Success

Using an executive functioning workbook and applied activities, participants target:

• Planning and prioritization
• Time management and workload balancing
• Task initiation and follow-through
• Organization of materials, schedules, and deadlines
• Problem-solving and flexibility
• Working memory and self-monitoring
• Emotional regulation and impulse control in high-stress environments

College Readiness & Campus Navigation

• Understanding college expectations and responsibilities
• Navigating campus resources (advising, tutoring, disability services, counseling, health services)
• Self-advocacy with professors and support staff
• Managing syllabi, assignments, and long-term projects
• Understanding accommodations and how to request support

Online Safety & Digital Responsibility

• Professional and personal online communication
• Social media awareness and boundaries
• Email etiquette and digital organization
• Decision-making related to online interactions

Relationships, Dating & Sex Education

Instruction is respectful, developmentally appropriate, and practical, covering:

• Different types of relationships (friends, roommates, dating partners)
• Communication and conflict resolution
• Boundaries, consent, and personal safety
• Navigating dating and social situations on campus
• Sexual health, body awareness, and decision-making
• Addressing challenges, mistakes, and real-life scenarios

Independent Living & Community Skills

• Using public transportation and campus transit systems
• Identifying on-campus and community resources
• Problem-solving in unfamiliar environments

Work, Internships & Professional Skills

• Balancing academics with work or internships
• Workplace communication and decision-making
• Building positive coworker and supervisor relationships
• Understanding professional boundaries and expectations

Budgeting & Financial Literacy

• Managing money in a college setting
• Budgeting for tuition, books, housing, food, and personal expenses
• Understanding spending, saving, and financial responsibility

College Life Prep is ideal for students who benefit from explicit teaching, structured support, and real-life practice as they transition to college. The group focuses on building independence, confidence, and practical skills that support long-term academic and personal success.

Location: Innovative's Collaboration Station

Day & Time: High School ages Mondays & Wednesdays @ 4:00 pm; Adults Monday & Wednesdays @ 1:30 pm

Class Length: 1 Hour